Cognitive Impairment / Dementia
Referral criteria:
The person concerned is wishing for an assessment for potential dementia and demonstrates their capacity to do so .
Completion of a routine cognitive blood screen. Referrals are accepted while someone is awaiting routine cognitive blood screen. FBC , U+E's , LFT, TFT, B12 , folate , lipids , CRP , Calcium, and HBA1C. There is an order set on ICE.
Completion of a recognised cognitive test used in primary care such as the 6CIT , GP cog, MMSE.
That unmanaged risks arising from potential reduced cognition are considered and assessed as low.
That alcohol use is no more than the government guidelines for "safe " alcohol use of 14 units /week . If the person has been historically dependent upon alcohol /significant prolonged use of alcohol a period 6 months of alcohol use at "safe " levels prior to a cognitive assessment is asked for .
Patients under 65 and atypical refer to Neurology
Patients over 65 refer to memory clinics
Cognitive Impairment/ Dementia contacts:
Alzheimer’s Society Helpline including a Telephone Befriending Service: Tel: 01872 277963
Age UK Helpline (providing information on memory cafes and other services and opportunities): 01872 266388
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Memory assessment Clinic. Ring Bodmin switchboard: 01208 251300
Review Date 18/02/2020
Next Review Date 18/02/2021
Author Dr Andrew Sharp
Contributor Dr Brendan McLean Consultant Neurology RCHT
Version No. 2.0